Dean of the University of Akron's College of Business Administration

Dr Aggarwal is Dean of the University of Akron's College of Business Administration and the Frank C. Sullivan Professor of International Business and Finance.

He has lived and worked in Japan, Singapore, India, Australia, Ireland, and Sweden, and is widely traveled in Europe and Asia.

Raj has been the Keynote speaker for groups such as the Irish Economic Association, Association of Japanese Business Studies, Pacific Asia Management Institute, Association of Individual Investors, National Association of Accountants and others.

Presentation topics include:

• Finance and accounting
• International Business
• Strategic analysis in the financial, retail, and industrial sectors.
• China
• India
• Globalization

CEO and Founder of The MPI Group

CEO and Founder of The MPI Group, a Cleveland-based management research firm, Brandt has spent more than two decades studying leadership in effective, purpose-driven organizations. He is an internationally recognized expert on management and technology, lecturing frequently in U.S. and abroad.

He is an expert on how companies and communities can adapt themselves to the realities of new markets, new corporate structures, and new customer expectations.

Most recently, Brandt served as President, Publisher and Editorial Director of the Chief Executive Group and prior to that, was publisher and editor-in-chief of IndustryWeek.

Presentation topics include:

• Business Management
• Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Journalism

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CEO and Founder of Digital City Mechanics

Marc Canter is a 30+ software industry veteran who has just moved to Cleveland after 21 years in California. Marc was the founder of MacroMind, which became Macromedia - the world's leading multimedia company [MACR] (now merged with Adobe.) Throughout the 80's and 90's Marc was constantly on the road giving speeches on the state of the 'multimedia industry' and web based collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Rather than being known as a theorist, Marc is known as a practitioner. He leads workshops, engages on panels and present keynotes which inspire, challenge and disseminate a vision of the future - where technology can change society for the better! Marc is one of the original bloggers, social media mavens and is the CEO of Broadband Mechanics - which owns a white label social networking platform - PeopleAggregator. This platform has been used by the U.S. Army ROTC program, Bell Canada, NVidia, the Sac Kings and a host of international media brands (Mondadori, theTimesofIndia.)

Marc's new company is called Digital City Mechanics and it's developing a sustainable model for creating jobs.

Marc has spoken at the original TED conferences, Web 2.0 summit, LeWeb, COMDEX, CES, and numerous other trade conferences. Marc has consulted for AOL, EMI, Conde Nast, Cyworld, Intel, Sony, JVC, Fujitsu and numerous other major tech companies.

Presentation topics include:

• Creating Jobs with on-line technology
• On-line multimedia content
• Digital economy ecosystems
• Open social networking
• Open standards for on-line multimedia content
• Goodbye Flash, hello HTML5
• Centralized vs distributed social networking
• On-line municipal services
• Open government
• New methodologies for teaching on-line job skills

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IT Security Strategist

Debbie's background includes twenty years of Fortune 500 experience as an IT and enterprise IT security manager with Intel Corporation, across the US, Europe, and Greater Asia.

She works with companies and individuals to leverage and grow security and career strategies through management consultation, speaking and training, and writing services.

Presentation topics include:

• Women in Technology
• IT Security Career Strategies
• Business Contingency Planning
• Outsourcing
• Security Auditing
• Security Awareness
• IT Certifications

Located in Arizona

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Executive Director of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Innovations

Chris has been Executive Director of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Innovations (CCFI) since its establishment in 2000 and is responsible for all activities and outcomes of the department.

He is a recognized authority on technology commercialization and has consulted and spoken on the subject throughout North America and in 18 countries.

Presentation topics include:

• Innovation
• Inventors in large organizations
• Entrepreneurship
• Creating start up companies
• What's new in medical technology
• Technology Transfer
• Cleveland - what can it look like 25 years from now
• How to leverage national trends from a mid-size mature city
• Using recreation to create the communities that we want

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Executive Director of the Software Patent Institute

Roland J. Cole, J.D., Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Software Patent Institute, a nonprofit corporation formed to provide courses and prior art about software technology to help improve the patent process.

He also serves as Director of Technology Policy for the Sagamore Institute for Policy Research. The mission of SIPR is to provide independent and innovative research to a world in progress.

Presentation topics include:

• Software Patents
• Federal, state, and local policy towards technologies such as broadband
• Alternative energy
• Nanotechnology
• Life sciences

Located in Indianapolis

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Associate with Hahn Loeser

John Cunniff is an Associate with Hahn Loeser and focuses his practice in Intellectual Property and Technology; and Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law.

Presentation topics include:

• Intellectual Property for Small Businesses
• Patenting Inventions in the US and Abroad -- Economically

Sales & Marketing Director at Ohio.net

Alex is an Internet and Telecommunications Director who has successfully developed marketing campaigns for technology and telecommunications based organizations, mostly due to an ability to combine an understanding of complex technologies with solid sales practices.

Presentation topics include:

• Voice over IP - VOIP
• Internet Security
• Online Marketing
• DSL and Broadband
• CRM software

Partner and Co-Chair of Hahn Loeser's Intellectual Property and Technology Team

Mike Garvin is a Partner and Co-Chair of Hahn Loeser's Intellectual Property and Technology Team.

Mike has significant experience in the litigation and arbitration of a wide variety of intellectual property and technology-related disputes, including U.S. and international patent infringement (computer, medical device, electrical and mechanical); software performance; copyright, trademark, and trade secret infringement; and non-competition.

Presentation topics include:

• Intellectual Property Litigation
• Patent, trademark and copyright infringement
• Theft of trade secrets

Founder of OhioBiz.Com

Mark Geyman, who has been a pioneer in developing web-based regional search directories, developed one of the country's and Ohio's first regional web directories, SitesOnline Ohio, in 1995.

Besides operating the OhioBiz search directory, OhioBiz Web Consulting, specializes in search engine optimization (SEO), website usability, marketing strategy and site maintenance services.

Presentation topics include:

• Ohio Business
• Local Search
• Website traffic & statistics

Great Lakes Geek and Entreprenerd

Dan Hanson, the Great Lakes Geek, is a true Entreprenerd.

Dan has a BS and MS in Mathematics and since building his first PC in grade school has been directly involved in the evolution of the PC from hobbyist gadget to mainstream appliance.

Dan was 3-term president of an international computer organization with 400,000 members and brought in speakers such as Bill Gates, John Warnock, Gordon Eubanks and others.

He is a Microsoft MVP and a widely published columnist including his regular monthly column in Inside Business Magazine.

Presentation topics include:

• Web 2.0
• Podcasting
• Tech Gadget Show & Tell
• Computer History
• Cleveland Tech History
• Technology Predictions
• Top Ten in Tech
• Cleveland Cultural Gardens
• Ethnic Groups in Cleveland - Past, Present Future
• Where am I - Cleveland Landmark Photo Quiz
• What's Bill Gates really like? Tales of Tech Titans

Partner at Hennes Paynter Communications

They say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only a few seconds to destroy one. In a split second you could find yourself in a position where you need to know how to handle the media or be a public spokesperson. Would you know what to do or how to respond?

Whether a luncheon talk, half-day seminar or full-day "Media Training Boot Camp," local media expert Bruce Hennes offers a whirlwind of practical techniques that will help prepare you and your staff to handle crisis communications. He'll give you a glimpse into such topics as how the media thinks, what they're looking for, how they can manipulate the news, how to handle "ambush" interviews - why every business and city should have a crisis communications plan.

Presentation topics include:

• Crisis Communications
• Dealing with the Media - How the Media Thinks
• Crafting a Disaster Plan

Attorney and Serial Entrepreneur

Cathy has spent over 20 years cultivating a global mergers & acquisitions and venture finance legal practice, serving a myriad of clients that range from the Fortune 100 companies to emerging and mid-market enterprises.

In addition to her company investment and formation work, Cathy's consulting practice specializes in forming economic development strategies for municipalities.

Cathy was the recent keynote speaker for FirstData Bank's annual conference in 2008 delivering a speech entitled "A Wounded Healer."

As one person said, who had attended all 22 seminars, "This was the best keynote speaker that you have ever had!"

Presentation topics include:

• Entrepreneurs
• Women in Business
• Global mergers & acquisitions
• Emerging Companies
• Venture Finance
• Medical Errors
• Economic development strategies for municipalities

President of Think Energy Management LLC

Rick Lubinski is president of Think Energy Management LLC, a nationally recognized energy consulting firm.

Rick speaks to organizations about how Energy management can lower operating expenses, reduce budget risks, improve building quality, improve employee productivity, enhance net operating income and contribute to asset appreciation.

Rick's recent presentations include:

• Supply-Side and Demand-Side energy management
• Federal and State Incentives for Energy Projects
• Best Practices for Energy Management Success
• How to sell an energy project to a CFO
• Energy Management Challenges and Opportunities in N.E. Ohio
• Utility deregulation = Promises Broken, Energy Management = Promises Kept
• Saving Money with Energy Management

Former Owner and CEO of Manco Inc.

Jack Kahl is the former Owner and CEO of Manco, Inc. Entrepreneur Jack Kahl took a commodity tape business and turned it into a multi-million dollar, best-of-breed company. Along the way he learned valuable lessons about business - and people.

He was named one of "America's Most Admired CEOs" by Industry Week magazine in 1993. Inc. Magazine honored him as one of three CEOs in America to benchmark leadership practices, and Cleveland Magazine named him the "Best Boss in Town" in 1996 and 2000.

Presentation topics include:

• Entrepreneurs
• Business
• Leadership

President of China Resource Network

Kim is both the Facilitator for the China Resource Network and President of Office Outsource, Inc. China Resource Network is a peer-to-peer networking group for Experienced executives whose companies have been actively involved in China for at least three years.

As a consultant Kim provides training and expertise to companies that are improving operations in China. Experience began in China with moving to Beijing in 1986 to attend college, then running factories in Shanghai from 1988 through 1990 before being promoted to General Manager of a U.S. subsidiary in Hong Kong. Upon returning to the U.S. Kim took over as Technical Services Manager responsible for all Asian Manufacturing for a company on the west coast.

Kim has been described as direct, practical, and analytical in her approach to operations and process improvement. She has spoken for various conferences and organizations such as; CAMP, WTC, OSU's Distinguished Lecture Series, YWCA Leadership Bootcamp, etc. She also presents corporate In House training programs nationwide.

Presentation topics include:

• Operate Successfully in China
• International Negotiation Techniques
• Leadership & Management Strategy

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Executive vice president for Aztek

Kevin J. Latchford is the executive vice president for Aztek. Experienced in custom application development and web-based services, from a sales and marketing perspective, Mr. Latchford has advised a variety of companies, ranging in size and scope of market, on the correct usage of applications and web sites, as well as how to go to market utilizing online tools.

Additionally, Mr. Latchford has been involved in a variety of small and medium business ownership opportunities and has served as a consultant for entrepreneurial start-ups.

Mr. Latchford has been a featured lecturer and guest speaker at Lorain County Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, Corporate College and several industry trade association functions.

Presentation topics include:

• Web Site Marketing
• Online Tools
• Entrepreneurial Start-ups

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Partner at SageRock.com

Sage Lewis is a nationally recognized expert in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Web Marketing.

Sage has been featured as a guest speaker at multiple colleges and trade shows and hosts several seminars per year on Internet marketing.

Sage and his partner Rocky have driven SageRock.com to the top of the web marketing field, and the firm has been given top ratings by the only available third-party resource in the industry -- the MarketingSherpa.com Buyer's Guide to Search Engine Optimization and Positioning Services.

Presentation topics include:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Web Site Marketing

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Search Engine Jockey

Jan Limpach is a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist - a Search Engine Jockey.

Jan can provide information to not only make your web sites friendly to the visitors but to make the site friendly to the search engines to increase your visibility.

He'll tell your group about the most valuable real estate - the waterfront property - of your web site.

Presentation topics include:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Web Site Marketing

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President and co-founder of The National Cristina Foundation

Dr. Yvette Marrin is President and co-founder of The National Cristina Foundation (NCF). NCF pioneered the creation of a national distribution channel for donations of previously used computer technology, to charities and public agencies that train or educate people with disabilities, at risk students, or economically disadvantaged persons.

This work was started in 1984 and their donation program has touched hundreds of thousands of people nationwide in all 50 states.

Presentation topics include:

• Digital Divide
• Computer Recycling
• Technology and the Disabled
• Non-Profits

Located in New York City

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President of Fulcrum ConsultingWorks, Inc.

Rebecca A. Morgan, President of Fulcrum ConsultingWorks, Inc. has over twenty five years experience in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Accounting Systems, Information Systems, Strategic Planning, Consulting and Academe.

Morgan works with manufacturers to define and implement an Operations Strategy that profitably meets the needs of the markets they choose to serve.

Rebecca A. Morgan frequently speaks on a variety of topics related to operations strategy. Typical audience size ranges from 20 - 150.

Presentation topics include:

• The Competitive Manufacturer
• Operations Strategy
• Lean Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing
• Aligning Operations with Competitive Advantage
• Continuous Improvement or Chaos

Founder of I-Open (The Institute for Open Economic Networks)

Ed is the founder of I-Open (The Institute for Open Economic Networks), which accelerates innovation and economic transformation in local and regional economies.

I-Open's approach is founded on open source development, an effective innovation engine developed in the software industry. Open source development is based on voluntary communities of people contributing to common projects.

Presentation topics include:

• Community Development
• Open Source Economic Development

Partner at Hahn Loeser + Parks

Steve is a partner at Hahn Loeser + Parks and among his accomplishments, Steve was listed in "Best Lawyers in America," 2005 for Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Securities Law.

He focuses his practice with emphasis on General Corporate, Family Business, Real Estate, Middle Market, Non Profit Institutions, Financing, and Taxation and is actively engaged in retainer agreements with entrepreneurial clients providing consultation on routine business matters.

Presentation topics include:

• Family Business
• Succession Planning
• Entity Structuring
• Advisory Board Formation
• Mergers & Acquisition

CEO and President of Central Command Inc.

Keith A. Peer is CEO and President of Central Command Inc. He founded the anti-virus solution firm in 1990 and has guided the company since its inception. He is a recognized expert in the field of antivirus and spyware protection, computer viruses, malicious applications and data security.

Mr. Peer has been widely quoted in national newspapers such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer as well as numerous industry trade publications. Mr. Peer has appeared on major television networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CNN. In addition, he has been a guest on numerous radio programs nationwide and is a frequent speaker to the FBI and US Secret Service on malicious software and data crimes.

Presentation topics include:

• Malicious software (Viruses, Spyware, Worms, Trojans, Backdoors)
• Malware prevention

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President of ERC

Pat Perry is President of ERC, Northeast Ohio's largest organization dedicated to HR and workplace related services, practices, research and programs.

Regardless of the topic, Pat delivers a powerful message intended to help professionals think differently about their work and workplaces. Pat has provided over 100 keynote presentations and routinely provides presentations to corporations as well as chambers, associations and professional societies.

Presentation topics include:

• Straight Talk About Great Workplaces
• Green Rabbits and Coloring Outside the Lines
• Quantum Leaps in HR Effectiveness
• "My Dog Died. I need some time off"

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Kahl Chair in Entrepreneurship at John Carroll University

Jack Soper is the John J. Kahl, Sr., Chair in Entrepreneurship and Professor of Economics in the Boler School of Business at John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio

He has published two books and more than 50 refereed articles in professional journals. He is the developer of a series of national tests in economics and has won six national awards including the prestigious Leavey Foundation award for Private Enterprise Education

Presentation topics include:

• Entrepreneurship and Prospects for Regional Economic Growth
• Current Economic Conditions & Problems
• Monetary Policy
• The Euro vs. the Dollar
• The Banking Industry
• Regional Economic Problems & Policies.

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President, Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo)

Dr. Lorry Wagner, an experienced energy engineer and longstanding member of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force, is well suited to serve as president of the Cleveland-based Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo), a position he assumed in May 2010. Previous energy project experience includes hydroelectric, solar, nuclear, as well as wind. Other relevant research was performed in the fields of neural networks, failure analysis, and explosion-proof control systems.

A nuclear engineer with several degrees from Purdue University and extensive experience in wind turbine technology, Dr. Wagner previously served as president of Azure Energy LLC. During his tenure, he played a leading role in the installation of the wind turbine at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, and has been involved in the development of numerous land based wind projects. Dr. Wagner, a lifelong boater and member of Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE), brings extensive knowledge of maritime and subsurface issues, central to the deployment of offshore wind turbines. CLUE has dived the pilot project site many times, and invites qualified divers to join them on trips.

Presentation topics include:

• Icebreaker: Offshore Wind Energy Development in Lake Erie
• Public/Private Partnerships in Offshore Wind

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Partner at Hahn Loeser + Parks

Mark is a partner at Hahn Loeser + Parks and focuses his practice in the areas of Patent, Trademark, Copyright, Trade Secrets, and Intellectual Property Litigation. He also has a degree in Pharmacy.

Among his expertise, Mark has experience in the formulation of company strategies for the procurement and protection of intellectual property rights. He develops company policies concerning protection of trade secrets, internal and external invention disclosure policies, inventor recognition programs, non-competition, confidentiality, and non-solicitation policies and agreements for employees and third parties.

Presentation topics include:

• Patent, Trademark and Copyright Basics
• How To Legally Look Over Your Competitor's Fence
• Intellectual Property as a Corporate Asset
• So? What Good is a Patent?
• Protecting My Idea in a Global Economy

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